When I started "Why?" I really underestimated the variety and power of the backstories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in imaging today.

It's time to introduce you to Jonathan Givens, a talented artist from the Miami area who most of you have probably never heard of, but that's temporary. I met Jonathan at ShutterFest last April and not only loved the images on his site, but the concept behind a very special project he's just about to finish, Dance Across the USA.

The idea behind this project is to showcase the variety and beauty of both our country,and the dancers that live within it.Jonathan Givens

Jonathan's core business is entertainment photography specializing with dancers and circus entertainers. Well, he found a way to combine his passion for the arts together with his love for the National Parks, and set out to photograph dancers in parks throughout the the United States.

There are two additional points I want to share with this new backstory: First, I met Jonathan at a conference and it's a perfect example of a key reason to attend every workshop, conference and convention you can find time for - It's a great way to build your network. Second, special projects, regardless of whether you know what they might become later on, are the perfect vehicle to keep your passion for imaging alive and strong. So, no matter what your core specialty might be, find the time to invest in a special project just for the fun of it.

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"Why?"

Check out"Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog.It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're coming up on 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.

Authors

Skip Cohen is President of SCU, founder of Marketing Essentials International and past president of Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI. He's been an active participant in the photographic industry since joining Hasselblad USA in 1987 as president. He has co-authored six books on photography and actively supports dozens of projects each year involving photographic education.

Scott Bourne

Scott Bourne was the first Dean of Marketing at SCU. He helped to establish this blog as a resource for aspiring and working professional photographers. He's an educator, artist, author and from time to time you'll see his name on guest posts that are always relevant to photography and marketing!